Tag Archives: cleveland browns

NFL, ufl

Stevenson, Marquez ‘Speedy’

CARDS: Score 2021, Panini Absolute 2021, Panini Rookies & Stars 2021
ACQUIRED: IP 2024, Brahmas Meet & Greet

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Marquez Stephenson was a dangerous return man and receiver who played college ball at Houston from 2016-’20.
  • After losing his entire 2017 to a torn ACL, Stephenson returned to catch 75 passes for 1019 yards and 9 TDs for the Coogs.
  • He then returned the following year and had 907 yards on 52 catches- including a 97 yarder, notching 9 more receiving TDs.
  • Displayed a knack for the return game that year averaging 27.8 yards a kick and scoring twice on 17 returns.
  • Over his college career Speedy had 34 kick returns for 889 yards and 3 TDs, and caught 147 passes for 2269 yards and 22 TDs.
  • Selected in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
  • Spent most of his rookie season on and off of IR and the practice squad.
  • Signed by the Browns at the tail end of the year and waived before camp in 2023.
  • Quickly signed with the Panthers that year, and was placed on the physically unable to perform list, and released shortly before camp.
  • Signed with the San Antonio Brahmas in 2024 of the UFL.
  • Posted 33 receptions for 265 yards and 2 TDs.
  • Returned to the team for 2025 and despite the team’s QB issues had 13 receptions for 134 yards.
  • After the Brahmas were euthanized by the new UFL ownership, Stevenson was selected by the Orlando Storm but did not make the squad.

NOTES:

I really liked Speedy and from time to time he showed some really nice flashes. He signed these three cards for me at an extremely hot meet and greet at a bar in San Antonio. I got two or three extras signed for Joe, but was unable to nab him on anything else in 2025. Really solid Score 2021 card though.

Arena, NFL

Newton, Falanda

CARD: Pro Set WLAF 1991
ACQUIRED: 2025, eBay
FAILURE: TTM 2011, C/o Home

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • A fast and hard hitting safety who always found a way to be around the ball, Falanda Newton played college ball for TCU from 1986-’88.
  • In 1987 he had 7 picks for 117 yards.
  • He also moonlighted at punt returner primarily that season as well.
  • Newton finished his college career with 15 interceptions for 274 yards and a TD over 33 contests.
  • Nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award his Senior campaign.
  • Undrafted, spent time in the camp of the Houston Oilers in ’89 and Cleveland Browns in ’90.
  • Second to last selection in the WLAF positional draft in 1991 by the New York-New Jersey Knights.
  • Started all 10 contests at free safety and posted 8 interceptions, 73 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and recovered 3 fumbles.
  • Set league record with 3 interceptions in a single game against the Monarchs.
  • Also blocked a punt that season.
  • Returned to the Knights for the 1992 campaign, posting 5 interceptions and 3 sacks.
  • After the league went on hiatus, Falanda played for Cincinnati of the Arena Football League in 1993.
  • Had 43 total tackles, 10 interceptions for 71 yards and 6 pass deflections.

ACCOLADES:

  • All World League 1991, ’92

NOTES:

Falanda has been impossible to track down or get a response from despite his unique name. When this one popped on eBay, I didn’t think twice and snapped it up immediately. He’s still got two set needs out there for me.

NFL, University of Texas

McKay, Bob (1947-2026) ‘Big ‘Un’

CARD: UT Upper Deck 2011, UT Upper Deck 2011 National Champions
ACQUIRED:
SENT: 10/5/19 RECEIVED: 11/1/19 (27 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Bob McKay played OT at Texas from 1968-69′.
  • Displayed great speed and exceptional run blocking ability in Texas’ wishbone formation.
  • Considered one of the finest linemen in Longhorns’ history.
  • First round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1970.
  • Immediately stepped into starting lineup for the Browns OL.
  • Overcame a broken bone in his leg suffered during the preseason in ’72 to become a team captain on the line, while improving his pass blocking skills.
  • In 6 seasons with Cleveland, Bob posted 67 games with 54 starts playing T, RG, LG, and RT.
  • Joined the New England Patriots in 1976, where he closed out his career after the ’78 campaign.
  • He played the next three seasons there, with the final two being primarily as a backup.
  • Bob played in 105 games, starting 71.
  • After retirement, he returned to Austin where he pursued private business in Austin.

ACCOLADES:

  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • National Football Foundation Hall of Fame

NOTES:

Bob was a bit of a monster of his era, clocking in at 6’5″, 260 he was immediately the second largest offensive lineman on his time- as a rookie.

He’s also remembered for a nasty fight in the trenches between him and Joe Greene during the ’75 season.

Again, during this period a lot of stuff slipped through the cracks, so finding a lot of these gems has been a real treat.

EPITAPH:

9/10/26- Bob McKay passed away today at the age of 78.